Sunshine Gottfriedson holds a political science degree from SFU with a focus on international politics and foreign policy, reflecting her passion for learning about other nations. She subsequently earned a Juris Doctor degree, gaining a well-rounded legal background with a specialization in Federal Indian Law. Ms. Gottfriedson has been a licensed attorney in Montana since 2012 and currently resides in the Pacific Northwest, pursuing licensure in Washington State. Ms. Gottfriedson is the proud owner of SMG Consulting, LLC.

She boasts a distinguished career serving tribal nations. Notably, she served the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation and the Fort Belknap Indian Community’s Nakoda and Aaniiih Nations. Her work with the Crow Nation involved both on-reservation child protection law and off-reservation advocacy as their Indian Child Welfare Act attorney. At Fort Belknap, Ms. Gottfriedson served as the Administrator of the Tribal Regulatory Authority, implementing federal consumer protection principles and industry best practices. In this position, she played a key role in leading the Conference of Tribal Lending Commissioners, serving as a founding committee member.

Ms. Gottfriedson’s experience extends beyond tribal law. She has engaged with Congress and staff, the Senate and staff, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and other agencies on Capitol Hill. She is an experienced speaker, having presented at conferences organized by the Conference of Tribal Lending Commissioners, Wiring the Rez, the American Bar Association, and the Online Lenders Alliance, among others. She is a Board Member of the National Native American Bar Association and serves as its delegate on the ABA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Council.

Looking forward, Ms. Gottfriedson seeks to expand her practice into economic development and business law. She brings strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills to the table. Beyond her legal expertise, Ms. Gottfriedson enjoys travel, working with people, and holds a particular passion for serving tribal nations and their leaders.